Margibi County—The Liberian government has started an investigation into serious allegations that the Chinese-owned Lee Group of Enterprises is polluting the Nyarfor River with chemical waste and human feces.

By: Yawah Y. Jaivey

This follows mounting concerns from local residents in Margibi County.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH), was prompted by a report published earlier this month, highlighting the villagers’ complaints.

The Lee Group of Enterprises, which operates a rubber processing plant in Corneh Farm, Salala District, Bong County, near the Margibi County border, stands accused by residents of discharging harmful substances, including chemical waste and human feces, into the Nyarfor River—an essential water source for several communities.

Affected villages, including Yarkpasue, Johnny Bah Village, David Town, and Cooper Farm, have reported a surge in waterborne diseases and skin rashes, particularly among children, which they attribute to the alleged pollution.

These claims are yet to be verified independently.

In response to these concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Ministry of Health dispatched investigative teams to the site last week.

Dr. Doryan Karba, Margibi County Health Officer, noted that the August 7, 2024, report in various news outlets spurred immediate action due to the severity of the allegations.

Dr. Karba explained that the Margibi County Health Team, which includes the County Surveillance Officer, Environmental Health Technician, and the Kakata Health District Surveillance Officer, conducted a thorough assessment of the situation. They were joined by an EPA team carrying out a parallel investigation.

As part of their efforts, the health team collected water samples from the Nyarfor River and conducted interviews with residents. They also examined children in the affected villages for symptoms of waterborne diseases, which corroborated reports of increased illness, skin rashes, and gastrointestinal issues.

Dr. Karba confirmed that the water samples have been sent for laboratory analysis, with results expected soon.

These findings will be crucial in determining the extent of the pollution and its impact on public health.

Our reporter who visited one of the alleged pollution sites observed strange liquid being discharged into the river through a tunnel.

While scientific verification of the substances was not possible at the time, the reporter confirmed seeing rashes on children and what appeared to be a chemical spill in the river.

Our reporter said the Nyarfor River, a vital resource for local communities—has become a source of anxiety and distress.

Villagers fear that continued pollution could escalate into a broader health crisis, given the river’s importance for cooking, drinking, and washing. There are growing concerns about the long-term health implications for residents if the contamination is proven and not swiftly addressed.

With the EPA and Ministry of Health’s investigation ongoing, residents and environmental advocates are watching closely, hoping for prompt and decisive action to address the alleged pollution and safeguard public health.